The TrailBlazer nameplate was introduced in 1999 as an upscale trim line of the Blazer. In 2002, the TrailBlazer turned into a separate model. Production of the Blazer overlapped with the TrailBlazer until 2005, when the 2-door was sold at dealers while the 4-door was fleet only (until the 2004 model year).

The first-generation 2002–2005 model years TrailBlazer is based on a truck platform called GMT360, with all models having four-wheel drive as an option with both automatic engagement and the more traditional "4 High" and "4 Low" gearings, except the SS model which features an All wheel drive system. The TrailBlazer features an independent front suspension, and a five-link rear suspension. A G80 locking rear differential is available as an option on all models except for the SS which has a G86 LSD standard. An LTZ version, has upgraded interior features (leather), better sound system (Bose), alloy wheels, four-wheel disc brakes. All TrailBlazers came factory equipped with a detachable towing hitch.

2006–2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer LT

The TrailBlazer was facelifted in 2005 for the 2006 model year. A new front fascia and interior trim were included with the refresh, but only apply to the upper-level LT models. The LS trim still has a similar front and rear fascia to the 2002–2005 models. The SS gets trim-specific front and rear fascias plus colormatched side skirts.

The TrailBlazer comes with a 273 hp (204 kW) 277 lb·ft (376 N·m) all-aluminum 4.2 L "Atlas" LL8 inline-six engine standard and an optional 302 hp (225 kW) 330 lb·ft (447 N·m) aluminum small-block 5.3 L V8 with Active Fuel Management. The inline-six makes the TrailBlazer the most powerful six-cylinder SUV in its class. The Active Fuel Management system on the V8 engine shuts off 4 of the 8 cylinders during highway travel and idle to save fuel. The 6-cylinder versions of the TrailBlazer get up to 20 miles per US gallon (12 L/100 km; 24 mpg-imp) highway, according to refreshed United States Environmental Protection Agency estimates.

One unique element of the TrailBlazer line was the availability of a 3-row, 7-passenger EXT version. This vehicle was 16 in (406 mm) longer and had a higher roofline to allow easier access to the third row of seats. This roof was disguised by standard roof racks.

Production of the EXT model was handled by the Oklahoma City Assembly plant in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The last TrailBlazer EXT rolled off the assembly line on February 20, 2006, because GM had reportedly closed that plant, making 2006 the final year for the TrailBlazer EXT.

The EXT could be identified by its much straighter rear doors (which were not in-line with the rear wheel arches), as well as by the circular, metal cap on each of the quarter windows where the opening mechanism attaches, on the 2003 models only.

An SS model was introduced for the 2006 model year. This was the first time a production SUV wore the Super Sport badge.[5] But this wasn't just a styling package: this Trailblazer came standard with a 6.0 L LS2 V8 that was the same engine that came standard in the 2005–2007 C6 Corvette, with different exhaust (more restrictive) and a taller intake that better utilized the torque characteristics of the engine in this heavier vehicle. The suspension was stiffened up and lowered from the factory, it had an added air-leveling system in the rear, and it rode on 20" wheels and 255mm wide tires—all which contributed to much improved handling. All Trailblazer SS's also came from the factory with 4.10 differentials, improving off-the-line acceleration. They were available in both 2WD and AWD configurations. About 1.7% of total Trailblazer production had the B4U SS-package.

IIHS tests give early Trailblazers a Marginal overall rating in the frontal offset test while 2005–2009 models get an Acceptable rating. For 2008 models side curtain airbags became standard. The Trailblazer gets a Marginal overall side impact rating - tested with optional side airbags present. Torso type side airbags were unavailable.[6]

The next generation TrailBlazer was to be built on an upgraded version of the current GMT360 platform called the GMT361. It was scheduled to be launched in spring 2007, but in January 2006, GM decided to just refresh the current platform and call the vehicle a GMT360NG. However, in June 2006, GM announced that the GMT360NG program was also canceled due to the large investment. GM decided to keep the current TrailBlazer until the 2009 model year (2008 in Mexico).

The Trailblazer, along with the Chevrolet Uplanderminivan, were replaced by the Chevrolet Traverse. GM had closed the Moraine plant on December 23, 2008, ending production of all GMT360 products.[12] The last Chevrolet TrailBlazer rolled off the Moraine line on December 16, 2008, a week before the plant's closure. The closing of the last factory that manufactured the trucks was the subject of a 2009 HBO documentary The Last Truck: Closing of a GM Plant.[13]

In 2012, General Motors and Isuzu recalled more than 258,000 SUVs in the U.S. and Canada to fix short-circuits in power window and door lock switches that could cause fires. The recall covered Chevrolet TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, Isuzu Ascender and Saab 9-7X SUVs from the 2006 and 2007 model years. The SUVs were sold or registered in 20 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., and Canada, where salt and other chemicals are used to clear roads in the winter.[14]

The second-generation TrailBlazer was unveiled as a concept at the 2011 Dubai Motor Show, and as a production model at the Bangkok Motor Show on March 21, 2012.[15] As is the case with the original Chevrolet Blazer (1969–1994), Tahoe (1995–present), Suburban (1935–present), S10-based Blazer (1983–2005), the TrailBlazer will be based on a pickup truck chassis, in this case the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado.

The second-generation TrailBlazer is built in Thailand and in Brazil.[16] The Trailblazer is currently being sold in some of the Southeast Asian countries, India, South Africa, Saudi Arabia and is sold in Australia as the Holden Colorado 7 from 2013. The 2013 Isuzu MU-X also resembles the second generation Chevrolet Trailblazer.[17]

Launched in late 2012 the Holden Colorado 7 is based on the same under pinnings as the regular Colorado, however bodywork from the A-pillar back is entirely different. Instead the Colorado 7 takes on the form of a large SUV with an enclosed roof, tailgate and 7-seats. The Colorado 7 is powered by the same VM Motori 2.8L Turbo Diesel engine and unlike the Colorado the rear suspension is a five-link system connected to coil springs but retains the live axle.[18]

Chevrolet has discussed re-introducing the Colorado 7 as the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, which is already on sale in other markets globally, but it will not be sold in North America. GM claims that the sales of the Equinox and Traverse would dwindle. However, on November 16, 2015, it did file trademark applications for the Blazer and Chevrolet Blazer in the United States, which could open the door for a next generation successor to the TrailBlazer.[19]

The 2014 – 2nd generation, MY14 Duramax 2.8L diesel engines have several new parts, namely a new water-cooled variable-geometry turbocharger, a new high-pressure common-rail fuel delivery system, a new Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system, a new intake manifold, a new cylinder head, a new cylinder block, a new balance shaft unit and a new Engine Control Module (ECM). and now produce 197 hp and 500 Nm of torque. [20]